FROM MR. PORTER
Here's some advice regarding getting a device for your Early College journey:
I recommend a Chromebook at least for the first 2 years of high school. If your child is going into Engineering and Coding, he or she may need a Windows laptop by the time he or she is a junior.
There is no need for a device with lots of storage, but you should try to spend money on 8GB (gigs) of RAM or more if you can. You want something sturdy. If you want fancy extras, that’s more expensive, but we've seen refurbished Dells from $50 to new devices at just over $200 (not including insurance).
The lifespan of a Chromebook is 3 yrs under normal use and can last longer if well cared for. I've seen them last for 6 years.
You can find them on Amazon.com, at Walmart.com, and directly from Dell.com. You can always click here to compare devices: https://www.google.com/chromebook/discover/
Mac books, iPads, Android Tablets, and gaming PCs are unnecessarily expensive. Tablets break easily and often become useless after a year or two.
SIZE: 11 inches is the normal, small Chromebook you may have seen. This is can be small but it's easily portable and less prone to damage. 14-inch devices are nice but less sturdy and take up a lot of desk space when used in class.
PRICE: $50 to over $1000. A good device at about 11 inches can run about $250 to $350 right now.
IMPORTANT NOTES: I don't recommend Best Buy since they are always more expensive. Buy any warranty or insurance you can and be sure you know how it works to make sure you can get a replacement or a quick repair when necessary.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Once you get one, be sure you DO NOT charge it overnight or for any long period of time. DO NOT eat or drink near your Chromebook.
Please contact Mr. Porter directly at (512)689-3821 if you need help. Call or text any time.